Tuesday, July 21, 2015

While in Colorado, we were treated to a walk-thru of the Denver Botanical Gardens, where our host Larry Jackel, is taking care of the bonsai collection. We had a chance to see some of the behind-the-scenes work, and meet the Director of the gardens.

Just back from Denver Colorado, and hooking up with local bonsai enthusiasts there.
Hiking up on the Front Range and in the canyons there is very cool, as you can see from the following photos.
Of course, many trees there may be collected, with proper permission.

The Front Range, seen from the car...

and another view...

This rock is not the proper type to climb, and scout for trees....way too rugged and dangerous...

Red Rocks, just out of Denver. major concerts there...

Killer Ponderosa, but impossible to collect...live long and prosper!

Hiked up 4th of July Trail, to just below treeline. Lots of snow patches still there in mid-July

Map of the area. We started at over 10,000 feet, and hiked up to about 12,000!

Another view of the treeline...

And another view of the treeline...

Ditto...

High mountain meadow flowers were all in bloom...gorgeous!

Some weather started to roll in before we could summit the trail...

A 1200 foot waterfall of snow-melt water...

High mountain meadow, and mountain flowers...

Some beautiful deadwood...

...and a nice Ponderosa in some duff...

This Ponderosa is growing from a crack!

This Ponderosa had a 20-foot trunk. It was knocked down by wind (maybe), and still has the original live vein active....

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Mauro Stemberger visited South Jersey this past wednesday, and performed his magic on a nice Rocky Mountain Juniper.
He explained many aspects of what he was doing, and answered many questions.
We had a great turnout...21 members and 4 guests!
here is a few of the photos taken.

Mauro and the RMJ getting acquainted...

John & Mauro getting acquainted!

...some of the members and guests attending ...

...the long low branch has been stripped so it can be prepared as a jin...

...wire has been applied to all branches. Some were removed, as they would work in the final design...

...wired and ready for branch placement...

...beginning branch placement...

...almost there....

and here we have it! I wonder who the lucky raffle winner will be????

...Oh...I think we know this lovely lady! A very lucky lady too, as Dr. Karen will be taking the tree home!